Impact Story: Ahu Parmalim and Religious Tolerance in Indonesia

Cicilia Maharani talks about Ahu Parmalim and its effects on society and those involved. Ahu Parmalim is a short documentary film by Indonesian organisation Kampung Halaman, which was screened over 200 times, both in Indonesia and abroad.

Ahu Parmalim translates to: ‘I am a Parmalim’ in Batak, the local languages spoken by theBatak peoplein Northern Sumatra. The short documentary follows 17 year old Carles Butar Butar going about his daily life in Northern Sumatra. Carles is a Parmalim, an active follower of the Malim religion (Ugamo Malim). Viewers are acquainted with the religious practices of Ugamo Malim and get to know Carles as a friendly, diligent and intelligent young man. He is well respected, performs above average in school and is highly devoted to his religion, family and country. Notwithstanding his simple background, his parents are farmers earning just enough to survive, Carles dreams of becoming a police man. Through Carles inquiries we also learn that believing in ‘the one true God’ is a mandatory condition for becoming a policeman in Indonesia.